Using the Weight/Height table to calculate the
Weight-for-Height/Length percentage or Standard Deviation (Z-score)

This reference table helps in the interpretation of anthropometric measurements through the Weight-for-Height/Length percentage (W/H %) or Standard Deviation score (Z-score).

Steps for using the Table:

Example: A length of a boy is 73.8 cm and his weight is 6.7 kg. (This example uses the
NCHS/WHO Table).

Find the column "Height" on the table. Round the figure to the nearest 0.5cm and look down that column for the figure (e.g. For 73.8 cm measurement, look for the figure 74).

Take a ruler (or a piece of card) and place it under the figure (e.g. 74) making sure that it is horizontal under the other figures on the same line (8.8; 8; 7.2 and 6.4)

On this line find the figure/range corresponding to the weight of the child (e.g. in this case 6.7 kg is between 6.4 and 7.2 kg on the table).

Follow these columns up to the top of the table to note the percentage and SD range (e.g. 6.4 and 7.2 are between the columns showing 60% and 70% or between -4 SD and -3SD). The range should be written down as such for interpretation.

Using the Weight-for-Height Wall Chart to calculate the Weight-for-Height/Length percentage or Standard Deviation score (Z-score)

The Chart helps in the interpretation of anthropometric measurements through a colour coding system which corresponds to the equivalent Weight-for-Height percentage (W/H %) or Standard Deviation score (Z-score). However, it is not commonly used.